LD 1370: CAMPUS CARRY

The gun lobby wants to take away the ability of public universities in Maine to decide whether or not to allow guns on campus. LD 1370, introduced by Representative Cebra and Senator Brakey, will allow anyone over 21 to carry a concealed weapon to school — no permit, no background check, no training required. 18-year-olds with a permit will also be allowed to carry a concealed weapon to class.

Research shows that guns on college campuses will lead to increased gun violence - including accidents, suicides, domestic violence, and sexual assault.

When other states like Texas passed similar legislation, many professors either stopped teaching controversial topics, refused to hold office hours out of concern for their safety, or simply quit. Other states have also seen sharp increases in security and insurance costs after passing campus carry.

We believe it should be left up to each individual college community in Maine to decide what is best for the safety and security of its students, staff, and faculty. A firearms policy that works for Orono may not work for Portland or Presque Isle, but the gun lobby in Augusta shouldn't get to dictate policies that threaten critical debate & the free exchange of ideas.

Maine Gun Safety Coalition is a nonpartisan grassroots organization founded in 2000 to protect Maine families and communities from gun violence. Our vision is a safer Maine where gun violence is rare and all gun owners are responsible in their handling and storing of guns.

Our mission is simple: to save lives. We educate the public about issues relating to gun safety and responsible gun ownership. We have distributed over 25,000 free trigger locks to prevent the accidental discharge of guns. We provide data-driven research and expertise about solutions to reduce gun homicides, suicides, lethal domestic violence, and gun trafficking.